In an effort to add convenience to kosher students' daily routines, Dining Services will be adding kosher takeout to Sherman Dining Hall within in the next eight to ten weeks, Dining Services officials said.The Kosher Express Convenience Store will provide pre-packaged kosher items in a convenience store setting similar to the arrangement at the Boulevard in Usdan, said Dining Services Director of Operations Michael Newmark.

Three shelves and a mini-cooler in Sherman will carry kosher products ready for students to grab and go on their way to class. The Kosher Express will run on the same schedule as Sherman, closing for Shabbat as well as other Jewish holidays.

The new service will be jointly funded by Dining Services and the school's administration in an effort "to improve the overall program of dining and student satisfaction," Newmark said.

Jakob Sebrow '07, president of the Brandeis Orthodox Organization, said the new convenience store is a "great idea because sometimes it is difficult to find stuff in the C-Store."

"[Eateries] need to be open later," Sebrow added. "This is even more difficult for students who keep Kosher than others-we can't order out from Cappy's ... Kosher food is essential to 200-250 students here on ampus, and increasing the convenience is most welcome."

Sherman Food Services Director Aaron Bennos said that the most important aspect of the Kosher Express is that it will provide products that are not available within Waltham itself, including canned and pre-packed goods that have a Kosher seal. Snacks, candy, bottled beverages, pre-packaged salads and sandwiches, cereals, seasonal items, and Shabbat items will also be stocked.

Rachel Lehmann '08, who observes the laws of kashrut, said the idea for the new store is "really nice, and could be very helpful because the Kosher to-go meals in Usdan are lacking," but she worried that it may "segregate the student population by limiting its market."

Jeremy Heyman '08, who keeps kosher, didn't see the need for the Kosher Express Convenience Store, saying that the C-Store has a fair number of kosher items.

"But it's a nice idea," he said, "and there is a convenience factor that if you are already in Sherman, you can pick up food there."

The store will accept WhoCash, points, cash or credit cards as payment.